Stam ready for endurance test

By Adrian Clarke

AC Milan defender Jaap Stam is hoping that the return of star striker Andriy Shevchenko will give the Rossoneri a psychological advantage ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against city rivals FC Internazionale Milano.

Long-awaited return
The prolific Ukrainian has been sidelined for six weeks with a fractured cheekbone but is set to make his comeback in the much-anticipated derby at the Guiseppe Meazza. It was in fact Shevchenko's all-important 'away' goal which earned the Rossoneri a place in the 2002/03 Champions League final, after a 1-1 second leg semi-final draw against Inter two years ago.

Decisive goal
The 32-year-old Stam is convinced that his free-scoring team-mate can have a major influence yet again, telling uefa.com: "Andriy Shevchenko is the man for the big occasion, so if he's fully fit I am sure he'll be involved. Time and time again he has been the man to score important goals for this club when it matters most. His return could be crucial."

Inter resilience
A single goal from Brazilian playmaker Kaká earned Milan the derby spoils the last time the two Milanese giants met in February - a result which ended Inter's remarkable 25-game unbeaten start to the Serie A season which included an astonishing 17 draws. And former S.S. Lazio centre-back Stam believes Inter's resilience will once again prove a difficult nut to crack in Europe.

Different strokes
He said: "Inter have some excellent players, and matchwinners aplenty. They are also a very difficult team to beat which is proved by the fact they have lost only one Serie A match all season. Despite being neighbours I don't think Milan and Inter play in the same way at all. We play different brands of football and have different tactics, so in many ways it will be a big clash of styles.

Unpredictable tie
"The first leg will probably be tight and tense," Stam added. "Milan are the favourites because of our league position and excellent current form, but when derbies take place it is dangerous to make predictions. Anything can happen because no one knows who will cope best with the big occasion. Make no mistake, it is going to be hard for us to go through."

Derby return
Injuries robbed retired Dutch international Stam of a place in both of this season's league Milan derbies, but after recovering from an achilles problem last month he is eager to experience the atmosphere for himself on the pitch. He said: "I have sat in the stands at the San Siro to watch AC v Inter, but to play in it is something I can only imagine. I have been told that the San Siro could have been sold out twice over for this tie, so the atmosphere will be immense.

Special occasion
"I am an experienced player who has played in front of huge crowds before, but I know that the noise levels and atmosphere on Wednesday night will be special. The hairs on the back of my neck will probably stand up on end. Adrenalin and tension will be flowing in equal measures.

Form team
Stam concluded: "Form-wise we couldn't be in better shape for this first leg. Before the international break we were winning games and playing well. Also, defensively we were looking strong. It's vital that we pick up where we left off against Inter."

Jaap Stam's personal website is at www.icons.com